Bene Benwikere to Dolphins: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Third-year cornerback Bene Benwikere ended his short period of unemployment Monday when the Miami Dolphins claimed him on waivers, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed the report.

Pelissero later reported the New York Jets and Washington Redskins also put in claims on Benwikere.

Benwikere spent his first two-plus seasons with the Carolina Panthers, starting 14 games while appearing in 27 total.  

He recorded two interceptions and 21 pass deflections and saw an increased role last season because of injuries in the Carolina secondary. 

But conditioning issues saw him struggle in 2016, and the Panthers released him after Week 4 when Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones ran rampant on the Carolina secondary for 300 yards and a touchdown.

Benwikere talked about his issues after the game, per Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer:

"

I’ve never had anything close to that feeling, to that effect, to that type of game. But that’s what happens when you go up against a top-caliber offense ... and a receiver and quarterback tandem that’s that good.

You prepare, you watch film, you do things. But when you don’t take it to that elite level, that level of conditioning, that level of play that they’re at, then you get burned.

"

That kind of conditioning raised a red flag to other teams that were thinking about claiming him once he was available.

With Miami allowing eight passing touchdowns to go with just one interception this year, however, it made sense for the squad to bring in a player with his level of talent. Injuries to Chris Culliver and Xavien Howard also likely created an urgency to add some help.

As long as Benwikere is acclimated to the speed of the NFL and can play like he did in his first two years with the Panthers, the Dolphins are going to get a solid depth signing who adds insurance to their secondary.